Henry James Memorial School Students Celebrate International Day of Peace

Each year on Sept. 21, the world observes the International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. On this day, the UN “invites all nations and people […] to commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.”

On Friday, Sept. 19, middle school students at Simsbury’s Henry James Memorial School (HJMS) showed their support for Peace Day by wearing tie dye or white—and by being extra kind to each other.

HJMS Principal Brian White was pleased that the event came about at the urging of two Student Council members and that the day was entirely organized by students, with just a little help from social studies teachers and Student Council advisors Noddie Zamgochian and Brenna Ganis.

Said Ganis, “The idea came to us from last year’s seventh graders while they were studying a ‘War and Peace’ unit in social studies classes. They were excited to be able to celebrate the day and we are proud that the idea and planning was all done by the students. That type of effort and work is what Student Council is all about.”

At the beginning of each class period, over the school’s public address system students Sanjeev Kumar, Jeevan Palanlyandy, Tyler Ladden, Ainsley Thompson, Griffin Massing, and Faizan Mohsin read informational announcements based on their research and understanding of what Peace Day is and its significance. This year’s theme was “Right of Peoples to Peace.”

Tyler Ladden demonstrated his deep understanding. He said, “Peace Day is important, because in the midst of war, it is a glimmer of hope. On a Peace Day a few years ago, the Taliban ceased all aggressions for the whole day, and doctors were commissioned in the Afghanistan area to vaccinate the sick. This miracle, this kindness of heart, is what Peace Day is all about.”

Faizan Mohsin focused on what the individual student could do to honor this day. He urged, “Meet new people you haven’t given a chance, and be extra kind to your peers.”

In a world too full of hostilities and conflict, Simsbury middle-schoolers are doing their part to make the world a better place—and that includes asking some serious questions, such as those asked by Ainsley Thompson. “Why is peace day one day? Shouldn’t it be every second, minute, and hour of the day?”

PHOTO: Henry James Memorial School students dressed in tie-dyed or white clothing in honor of the International Day of Peace (photo from Simsbury Public Schools).